Types of Carpet Fiber
Carpet fiber selection affects carpet end use performance. These are the basic types of carpet pile fibers.
Source: Carpet and Rug Institute 2010
- Nylon: Two types, Nylon 6,6 and Nylon 6, are typically used in carpet. Nylon features include the ability to produce a variety of color schemes, luxurious soft “hand”, excellent resiliency, durability, abrasion resistance, and texture retention. Other features include good resistance to stains and soils. Nylon is considered to be suitable for all types of traffic. Solution dyed nylon provides excellent color fastness and increases stain cleanability.
- Olefin (polypropylene): Olefin features include its inherent and permanent resistance to water-based stains, its colorfastness, and resistance to static electricity. Olefin is resistant to moisture, making it the primary fiber used in indoor/outdoor carpet.
- Polyester: Polyester features include its luxurious soft “hand’, inherent and permanent stain resistance, and ability to produce bright colors. Other features include good abrasion resistance, fade resistance, and cleanability.
- Triexta: Triexta features include its luxurious soft “hand”, excellent colorfastness and bright colors, inherent and permanent stain resistance. Other features include durability, resistance to fading, cleanability, texture retention and resiliency. Marketed under the name SmartStrand™.
- Wool: Wool is a natural fiber noted for it's luxury and performance. Its features include soft “hand”, high bulk, color variety, and inherent flame retardant characteristics.
Source: Carpet and Rug Institute 2010